Mr Hughes admitted his role as guarantor could end up costing him dearly.

"It's very dangerous of course, and a gamble," he said.

He would not reveal how much the decision could cost him, but said he needed "good audiences" to avoid making a personal loss on the event.

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Media captionOwain Arwel Hughes set up the Welsh Proms in the 1980s

"I don't criticise the council, or anybody," said the conductor. "We understand the problems, we all have to rally around and do things, and this was the only way that we could have guaranteed the Proms this year."

Tickets for the Welsh Proms - which are not connected to the BBC Proms in London - range from £5.50 to £35 each in the 2,000-seat venue.

A council spokesman said: "We see the Welsh Proms as a central part of the City's cultural offer but we are operating in a period of severe financial restraint."